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A Guide to Preparing for Surgery

A Guide to Preparing for Surgery

A Guide to Preparing for Surgery

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  • The Day Before Surgery
    • Eating & Drinking Restrictions Before Surgery
    • What to Bring to the Hospital
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  5. Eating & Drinking Restrictions Before Surgery

Eating & Drinking Restrictions Before Surgery

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On the day before surgery, make sure to follow any instructions from your child's doctor. It is critical that you follow the eating and drinking restrictions. These restrictions are for your child’s own safety and will ensure the child’s stomach is empty in preparation for anesthesia.

If your child eats or drinks too close to the time of the procedure, please tell us immediately so the team can make certain it is safe to proceed. It is possible we will need to reschedule the procedure if it is unsafe.

These guidelines were created by members of our Pediatric Perioperative Surgical Home. Follow the guidelines based on your child’s age. You can also download this chart as a PDF.

Children’s Eating and Drinking Restrictions Before Surgery

Clear Liquids
Includes liquids you can see clearly through, i.e. Pedialyte, water, Gatorade, apple juice, Jell-O or broth (does NOT include orange juice or colas)

Breastmilk and Formula
Does NOT include breastmilk or formula mixed with a blenderized or pureed diet

Solid Foods
Includes regular diet, gum, candy or mints


Infants:
Less than 6 months

STOP 2 hours prior to the time surgery is scheduled

STOP 4 hours prior to the time surgery is scheduled

N/a


Toddlers:
6 months and older, but less than 3 years

STOP 2 hours prior to the time surgery is scheduled

STOP 6 hours prior to the time surgery is scheduled

STOP 8 hours prior to the time surgery is scheduled


Children:
3 years and older, but less than 12 years

STOP 2 hours prior to the time surgery is scheduled

N/a

STOP 8 hours prior to the time surgery is scheduled


Adolescents & Adults:
12 years and older

STOP 2 hours prior to the time you are told to arrive

N/a

STOP 8 hours prior to the time you are told to arrive


Medications Before Surgery

Additionally, please check with your child’s doctor regarding whether or not your child should take his/her usual medications. Please do not give your child Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen) within the three days before surgery.

What to Read Next

Read about checking into surgery.

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